Merced · Zoning · R-IV
Merced R-IV zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Merced's R-IV zone, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 3,000 sq. ft. (Merced code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 3,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum density: 36 du/acre
R-IV is a zoning district in Merced. Every value below was read from the Merced Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in R-IV
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 20.16.030 · code textTable row “Exterior (min.)”, column “R-IV”: 0 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 20.16.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “R-IV”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 20.16.030 · code textTable row “Interior Rear”, column “R-IV”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 3,000 sq. ft. § 20.16.030 · code textTable row “Parcel Area (min.)”, column “R-IV”: 3,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum density | 36 du/acre § 20.16.030 · code textTable row “Residential Density (max.)”, column “R-IV”: 36 du/acre |
Uses in R-IV
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-IV, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Duplex — Allowed — see note
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Live-work unit — Needs a minor use permit — see note
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a site plan review permit — see note
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-IV:
- Maximum building height: 40 ft — Height limit applies only where directly adjacent to residential zones; an increase in height may be approved with a site plan review permit § 20.16.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-IV in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Merced Municipal Code.
Other Merced zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum front setback in Merced's R-IV zone?
0 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.16.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Merced's R-IV zone?
5 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.16.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Merced's R-IV zone?
10 ft — Merced Municipal Code § 20.16.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Merced's R-IV zone?
3,000 sq. ft. — Merced Municipal Code § 20.16.030.
What is the maximum density in Merced's R-IV zone?
36 du/acre — Merced Municipal Code § 20.16.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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